Feel free to adapt this for your own use, keeping in mind that the children it was written for are 7, 4 and 2 months, which is why the older two had participatory parts.
Paganing Dedication Ritual
High Priestess Dydan Presiding
Materials
needed
Dish of saltIncense (Artemis blend)
Red candle
Bowl of water
Silver and gold candles
Goddess image
Cakes and Ale - don't laugh, we're having grape juice and Nilla wafers
Plates/cups
Offering dish
candle holders
matches/lighter
snuffer
Rose oil (for kids' ritual baths)
Altar boxes and contents
Bathe kids
with rose oil before everyone arrives. Set up altar before hand, too.
When everyone is ready, begin ritual. Briefly explain to kids what is
expected. (i.e. We're going to cast the
circle, say our parts, then have a little bit to eat/drink before ending the
ritual. We can eat more after.)
Cast the
Circle
East:
Light the incense and say, "Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East,
we invite you to this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of
these children. Hail and welcome."
South:
Light the candle and say, "Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South,
we invite you to this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of
these children. Hail and welcome."
West: Scatter drops of water about the
Circle and say, "Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West, we invite you to
this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of these children. Hail and welcome."
North: Sprinkle salt around the Circle
and say, "Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, we invite you to this
Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of these children. Hail and welcome."
Center:
Lighting each candle in turn say, "Goddess, please hear us and
attend our Circle, with your Consort, to witness the introduction and Dedication
of these children. Hail and
welcome."
"The
Circle is cast in this sacred space between the worlds."
HPS: We have come together for a very special ritual, a Paganing for (children's names). While this ceremony will dedicate the Children to the path of the Mother, Goddess of All, and Her Consort, the Father God, it is not binding, and the children remain free to choose their own path when they are of age to do so; knowing that all paths lead to the same destination.
HPS:
(mom), as the mother of these children, is it your desire to have them
Dedicated to the Goddess and Her Consort?
Mom:
Yes, it is.
HPS:
And do you promise to teach then and guide them on this Path your have
chosen?
Mom:
I do.
HPS:
Will you love your children unconditionally, support them throughout
their lives, and be the disciplinarian, friend and confidante they need?
Mom: Always.
HPS:
(dad), (mom) has expressed and affirmed her desire to raise the children
on a Pagan path. Do you accept and
support her in this?
Dad:
Yes, I do.
HPS:
You have chosen (child's name) to be your son and (child's name) to be
your daughter, along with your son (child's name). Do you promise to protect your children from
what threatens them to the best of your ability, and to teach them to protect
themselves?
Dad:
Yes.
HPS:
And will you love your children unconditionally, support them throughout
their lives, and be the disciplinarian, friend and confidante they need?
Dad:
Always.
HPS:
(children's names), you have heard your parents' promises. They want only the best for each of you. Now, (children's names), it is time for you
to make promises of your own. Are you
ready?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
(children's names), do you promise to love and respect your parents, to
listen when they teach and do your best to obey?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Do you accept the presence of the Goddess and God in your lives?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Do you promise to learn what you can about religions that interest you
as you grow, so that when you are old enough you can choose the best path for
you?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Who stands as witness to the Dedication of these children?
Coven: We do.
HPS:
It is now time to greet and receive the blessings of the Elements.
face the children to the East
HPS: In the name of Air, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Air.
HPS:
From Air come the gifts of intellect and communication. May you always have clear thought, wise
judgment and eloquent expression. I
bestow upon you the gift of raven feathers so that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children South
HPS: In
the name of Fire, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Fire.
HPS:
From Fire come the gifts of passion and strength. May you be blessed with strong bodies and
strength of character, and experience life fully. I bestow upon you the gift of candles so that
you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children West
HPS:
In the name of Water, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Water.
HPS:
From Water come the gifts of emotion and health. May you find happiness, love and be loved
always, and enjoy good health. I bestow
upon you the gift of abalone shells so that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children North
HPS:
In the name of Earth, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Earth.
HPS:
From Earth come the gifts of stability and balance. May you always feel secure in your
environment, satisfied with your routines and centered within yourselves. I bestow upon you the gift of pentacles so
that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children Center
HPS:
The final element is Spirit, that which is found within. As you learn and grow you will come to
understand that the answers to all we seek may be found within ourselves. The Goddess and God reside inside each and
every one of us We are the containers for
all we will ever need. In recognition of
this, we now present you each with an altar box, in which you may keep the
elemental gifts you have just received, as well as any other altar items you
make or acquire. Like you, the box is
only the container, and you will find what you need inside.
kids:
Thank you.
HPS:
(children's names), you have now been recognized by the elemental
spirits. When you have need, you may
call upon them and you will be heard.
You have been presented to the Goddess and God, and they will be with
you always.
HPS:
The children have been Dedicated to this path their mother walks. As a community, it is our responsibility to
ensure they are given the proper guidance to learn and develop as they
grow. Who will pledge their support to
the parents in their endeavor to raise their children with respect to
their chosen path?
Individual Coven members: I will.
HPS:
So it is witnessed and so it is done.
So mote it be.
Coven:
So mote it be.
Cakes and
Ale, with offering. (Brief explanation
for kids.)
Open Circle.
North:
"Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
West: "Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West,
we thank you for your presence and witnessing the Dedication of these
children. Stay if you will, go if you
must. Hail and farewell."
South:
"Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
East:
"Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
"The
Circle is open, but never broken."
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